5/5 Great leap for Danny Grissett
  by G. O'NEILL (Sydney, Australia.)
If you enjoyed Danny Grissett's previous piano trio efforts you will be bowled over by his latest session on Criss Cross. Although the personnel has been doubled, don't be fooled into thinking that this is yet another routine blowing session by a Jazz Messengers like sextet. This is some of the finest "straight ahead" jazz to be heard in a very long time, as Mr. Grissett and his co-horts mix their options - using the sextet on a couple of tunes, but also employing quartet, trio, and duo formats to great effect.

This is a one day session that shows a lot of thought in the preparation and precision in execution. The swing and groove are there in abundance, as is the deepest commitment and "soul" that we expect but do not always get from some leading jazz musicians. Each tune on the album is a highlight and the "sound of surprise" is always in evidence. Recorded sound is excellent too.

Mr. Grissett's section mates from the two previous albums are back and they are both on superb form again. Vincente Archer (bass) and Kendrick Scott (drums) make up one of the finest young rhythm sections in the music and they excel themselves this time. The arrangements are fairly basic yet very effective and each soloist plays to his highest level. Ambrose Akinmusire on trumpet is a revelation and Steve Davis (trombone) and Seamus Blake (tenor sax) turn in some of their finest efforts. Mr. Grissett's playing is simply stunning. His surging right hand inventions and left hand comping continually surprisng and delightful. He has obviously taken a great deal from his sideman work with Tom Harrell (and others) and is now ready to join the leading throng in the jazz world.

I look forward to hearing a lot more from Danny Grissett.


5/5 What an absolute shame!
  by D. Alder (Michigan)
This is a fantastic cd. How such a great recording can be void of any reviews just blows me away. Is there that few serious jazz fans left? Are people afraid to spend just a few more bucks for GREAT material? I hope that neither of those are true. Grissett has put together top musicians for an overall excellent recording. Quit wasting money on bad movies, over-priced hair care products, and foo-foo coffees. Pick up some awesome jazz on this Criss Cross label, sit home, and dig it.